Union Budget 2025-26: Major Announcements at a Glance

Why in the news

The Union Budget for 2025-26 was tabled on 1 February 2025. It aimed to push growth, ease the tax burden and back priority sectors while keeping public finances disciplined.

Key facts

• Presented by: Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, for fiscal year 2025-26.
• Fiscal deficit target: 4.4% of GDP.
• Gross borrowing: ₹14.82 lakh crore.
• Debt goal: debt-to-GDP ratio to be brought below 50% by 2031.
• Corporate tax: no change; the rate for domestic companies stays at 22%.
• Customs duty cuts: proposed on semiconductors, electric vehicles and green hydrogen equipment.
• GST: slabs to be rationalised so that compliance becomes easier.

Sector-wise allocations

Infrastructure and rural push

• Wider National Highways and Expressways, new high-speed rail corridors and more airports.
• Railway modernisation includes 100 new Vande Bharat trains.
• A high-yield crop programme aimed at 17 million farmers, plus interest-free loans for small and marginal farmers.
• Ayushman Bharat to be strengthened; mental health programmes get special attention.
• 50,000 schools to receive digital classrooms; AI and IT training to be expanded.

Energy and technology

• First-ever Nuclear Energy Mission with a goal of 100 GW nuclear capacity by 2047.
• Subsidy support for rooftop solar.
• Rural 5G rollout and promotion of digital payments and blockchain in banking.

Vision and market reaction

• The Budget is linked to the Amrit Kaal outlook and the Viksit Bharat 2047 goal, stressing self-reliance, sustainability and digital change.
• Markets reacted in a mixed way; consumer stocks such as Maruti Suzuki and Britannia rose while infrastructure names such as Larsen & Toubro fell.

Exam angle

• Remember the numbers: 4.4% fiscal deficit, ₹14.82 lakh crore borrowing, ₹11.21 lakh crore capex.
• Long-term targets: debt below 50% of GDP by 2031; 100 GW nuclear by 2047.
• Related terms: Amrit Kaal, Viksit Bharat 2047, Nuclear Energy Mission.